The Christian Association of Nigeria has raised concern that the country’s worsening insecurity is deepening poverty and hunger, urging President Bola Tinubu to intensify efforts against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
Speaking at the opening of a meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council in Abuja, the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said Nigeria was still facing serious threats to peace and national unity despite the government’s ongoing security reforms.
According to Okoh, “Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity that threatens our collective survival and national cohesion. Banditry, kidnapping for ransom, violent extremism, and other forms of criminality have spread across the country, leaving behind sorrow, fear, and displacement.”
He noted that the human toll remained heartbreaking, stressing that “the daily loss of innocent lives is alarming and heartbreaking. Families are mourning, communities are being deserted, and citizens are increasingly anxious about their safety at home, on farms, on highways, and even in places of worship.”
The CAN leader said the security crisis was also crippling the economy, as farmers could no longer reach their farmlands and traders faced rising risks in their daily activities. He warned that these challenges were worsening hardship across the country.
Okoh said, “Beyond the human tragedy, insecurity is crippling our economy. Farmers are unable to access their farmlands, traders face rising operational challenges, and investors are discouraged by uncertainty. These realities continue to deepen poverty, hunger, and frustration, conditions that further fuel instability.”
While acknowledging ongoing government efforts, he stressed that more needed to be done to restore calm and protect citizens across all regions.
According to him, “At this juncture, I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce the level of insecurity in our nation. We acknowledge the renewed initiatives to strengthen security architecture in order to combat the activities of terrorists and bandits across the country and we encourage His Excellency to do more.”
He explained that religious institutions play a crucial role in shaping values and maintaining peace. Okoh said faith-based organisations must work closely with government and security agencies to promote unity and prevent misinformation.
He stated, “We therefore encourage government at all levels to draw even closer to these organisations, including NIREC, by recognising the unique value they offer in mobilising communities, promoting dialogue, and nurturing social harmony. Working hand-in-hand will produce far greater impact.”
Okoh added that NIREC remained an important national structure that offers a united front against violence and injustice.
He said, “NIREC remains a strategic national asset. It enables us to speak with one voice against violence, condemn criminality in all its forms, and affirm that no religion justifies the taking of innocent lives.”
He urged government to ensure justice by holding perpetrators accountable, supporting victims and reassuring communities that the rule of law applies to all.
Okoh stressed that religious leaders would continue to pray and encourage Nigerians to reject violence and work together for a more peaceful country.
“As religious leaders, we must intensify prayers alongside action. We must continue to use our influence to encourage citizens to reject violence, resist misinformation, cooperate with lawful authorities, and uphold the enduring values of honesty, compassion, and national unity,” he said.
